The Queer Principles of Kit Webb

by Cat Sebastian

When he returned to Clare House, Percy found his valet waiting in his apartments. “If you’ll forgive my forwardness, my lord,” Collins said as he helped Percy out of his coat, “but my lord is satisfied with my service, I hope.” Startled, Percy regarded his manservant in the looking glass. “Of course I am. We’ve been to Italy and back. You got me through that beastly sickness in the Alps. When you do something daft, like try to get me to wear crimson, I tell you so.” “That is a relief, my lord.” “What prompted this crisis of confidence?” “The duke has dismissed Mr. Denny.” “He’s done what?” Percy asked, astonished. Denny had been the duke’s manservant since before Percy was born. “Indeed, my lord. Mr. Denny’s replacements are two large and scruffy ruffians, neither of whom seems capable of brushing a coat or dressing a periwig. They take turns sleeping in the duke’s antechamber.” “Ah.” Percy wondered if Collins knew he was describing guards. “And where is Denny?” If the duke’s former manservant had been sacked and cast out without a farthing, Percy could possibly employ him to help access his father’s inner chamber. “He mentioned to the underhousemaid that he planned to open a public house in Tavistock, where his people are from.” Percy raised an eyebrow. That didn’t sound like the man was dismissed so much as paid off. He wondered if Marian’s brother could be persuaded to make a trip into Devon to have a chat with the fellow. “Thank you,” Percy said to his valet. “You are,...